The route following the north ridge is one of the two "normal routes" of Mount Everest. Historically, it was the first route where serious summit attempts took place (1922 and 1924). After the first successful climb in 1953 from the Nepal side, the second successful expedition was the Chinese team on the North Ridge in 1960. Although there are several variations known, the route of 1960 is the most frequently used one on the north side. Conditions change from year to year, but normally this is also the easiest route from the north.Coming from Lhasa or Kathmandu, one leaves the main road near Tingri (from where also Cho Oyu is reached). Via Lamna La Pass (5100 m), we enter the Rongbuk valley, which leaves the Everest region northward. Here, at an altitude of about 5000 m, Rongbuk monastery is located.

A permit is obtaining from the Chinese Mountaineering Association to attempt Mt Everest (Chomolungma) from the North side of Everest. Relatively few expeditions have succeeded in climbing this hidden face of the world’s highest peak from the Tibetan side (Chinese), mainly due to the difficulties involved in approaching the summit pyramid at extreme altitude.